Recruitment, Relocation and Retention Incentives

Purpose: 

This Order provides policy and guidance for requesting and obtaining approval of recruitment, relocation, and retention incentives. These human capital flexibilities may be used in certain circumstances to address agency staffing difficulties.

Background: 

These human capital flexibilities are codified within 5 U.S.C. §§ 5753 and 5754. The Office of Personnel Management has issued regulations, codified within 5 C.F.R. Part 575, governing these flexibilities.

Applicability: 

This Order applies to individuals who are newly hired into Federal service by GSA and current GSA employees.

This Order does not apply to:

1. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) has independent hiring and personnel administration authority. See 5 U.S.C. § 406 (a)(7) (Inspector General is authorized “to select, appoint, and employ, such officers and employees as may be necessary for carrying out the functions, powers, and duties of the Office”.);  GSA Order ADM 5450.39D CHGE 1, GSA Delegations of Authority Manual (Delegations Manual), Chapter 2, Part 1 (“the Inspector General has independent authority to formulate policies and make determinations concerning human capital issues within the [OIG] and GSA determinations/delegations do not limit that authority).
2. The Civilian Board of Contract Appeals, due to its independent authorities.

Cancellation: 

1. This Order cancels Order HRM 9575.1 CHGE (February 5, 2021).

Summary of Changes: 

1. The formatting of the previous Order is updated;
2. The content of the previous order is simplified and streamlined; and
3. This updated Order applies minor changes made through the final civil service rule: “Recruitment and Relocation Incentive Waivers,” Federal Register, December 15, 2025.

Roles and Responsibilities:

This Order describes the roles and responsibilities of:

1. “Requesting Officials,” who are the supervisors facilitating the staffing of a position with a selectee;
2. “Reviewing Officials,” who are the Head of Staff or Service Offices or Regional Administrators; and
3. “Approving Official,” who is the Chief Human Capital Officer.